ABU DHABI, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways is committed to its equity partnership strategy as it contributes hugely to its business, Chief Executive James Hogan said in a statement on Wednesday.

Hogan admitted, however, that Etihad has faced challenges with Air Berlin AB1.DE and Alitalia CAITLA.UL as both operate in competitive markets.

Alitalia is finalising a business plan to address its issues while Air Berlin's strategy is now on track, he added.

(Reporting by Stanley Carvalho & Victoria Bryan; editing by Jason Neely) ((stanley.carvalho@thomsonreuters.com; + 9712 6444431; Reuters Messaging: stanley.carvalho.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: ETIHAD EQUITY/